Jewels of nature

Nature has been generous to Slovenia. The varied green landscape is mostly covered in forests, while grape vines are grown on the sunny slopes of hills in many areas. For those heading back to nature there are numerous natural parks, while Triglav National Park encompasses Slovenia’s most beautiful mountains, the Julian Alps. In addition to the mountain peaks, there are hills all around the country that make popular excursion destinations.

The stunning waterfalls and the busy rivers, full of things to do, will awaken a genuine experience of nature. There are also treasures hidden underground, in the magnificent caves of the Karst.

Experience green nature

Almost 60% of Slovenia’s land is forest, the third-highest level in Europe. The majority is light, deciduous forest, well-suited to walks, with interpretive forest trails arranged in some places. You can also explore the extensive coniferous forests, such as the virgin forest at Kočevski Rog, just 60 km from the capital.

More than 10% of Slovenia consists of natural parks, ideal for those looking for peace and relaxation, and the active enjoyment of their free time.

Slovenia boasts many mountains and hills, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The most stunning peaks are in the Julian Alps, and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. There are plenty of hills in almost all parts of the country, and well-marked trails lead across them.

Rich water and underground world

The beautiful, clean rivers are ideal for angling and all sorts of water sports. There are three main types of river in Slovenia. The Alpine rivers include the Soča, and the upper section of Slovenia’s longest river, the Sava, the most popular of the lowland rivers is the Mura, while the disappearing streams of the Karst have helped to form the extensive caverns there. Modern natural health resorts have been built in eastern Slovenia around the thermal and mineral springs.

Slovenia’s numerous waterfalls are a delight, and are classed as sites of special natural interest. They are most numerous in the Soča River area and in Triglav National Park.

Each year around a hundred new karstic caves are discovered in Slovenia, but just over 20 are set up to receive visitors. The largest and the most popular is Postojna Cave, where the olm or human fish lives, while many visitors are even more taken with Škocjan Caves, which is a Unesco world heritage site.

Keeping it green for posterity

Slovenia intends to preserve its natural jewels for future generations by means of green or sustainable tourism. Green tourism reduces the impact of tourism on the environment, and increases its adaptability to climate change.